217
-1.9
30 March 2011
25 March 2011
Craving Color
So I took some of my grand jury paycheck and bought some.
And made this:
I sauteed:
olive oil
garlic (4 cloves)
1 bundle of asparagus (ends cut off)
1 zucchini (grated)
sliced mushrooms
almost a full bag of baby spinach
baby heirloom tomatoes (whole)
1 red pepper cut up
After they sauteed, I made the pasta, and then added a jar of alfredo sauce (I know not super healthy) to the veggies.
DELICIOUS!
I am craving more fat and protein--either it is because I have gotten so far off track I can't help it, OR it is because we have had practice every night this week. Last night I couldn't sleep, so at midnight I went and ate 3 honey pretzels and 2 little chunks of cheese. And then I was able to fall asleep. I need to do some more reading on what I should be eating to best fuel my body while playing football--without resorting back to bad habits--eating whatever I want whenever I want!
 |
| VEGGIES |
I sauteed:
olive oil
garlic (4 cloves)
1 bundle of asparagus (ends cut off)
1 zucchini (grated)
sliced mushrooms
almost a full bag of baby spinach
baby heirloom tomatoes (whole)
1 red pepper cut up
After they sauteed, I made the pasta, and then added a jar of alfredo sauce (I know not super healthy) to the veggies.
DELICIOUS!
 |
| The final result! |
24 March 2011
Proud Vs. Not Proud
Proud: Not stopping the last two nights for Shari's Cinnamon Rolls after practice. I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted cinnamon rolls.
Not Proud: buying a bag of Jolly Rancher Bold Fruit Smoothie jelly beans before practice and eating more than a handful. Though I paid for that later when I wanted to hurl as I was running during practice.
Proud: Not giving up when it is hard. I am not used to being a bench warmer. This football experience has been humbling for me because I have been fortunate and have always been a "starter;" I don't know what sitting on the bench is like--but I am learning. For me, it is beyond frustrating not being good at a sport. Especially when I really WANT to be good!
Not Proud: Emotional eating. Sad? Eat. Frustrated? Eat. Sad? Eat. Stressed? Eat. Sad? Eat. And the eating does not center around fruits and veggies. I am overloading on sugar and fat and bread. Last night I think I really overdid it and the excess sugar made me sick.
Proud: Recognizing what I am doing.
Not Proud: Not really making TRUE changes. Thinking about changes and acknowledging what I am doing is NOT ENOUGH.
Not Proud: buying a bag of Jolly Rancher Bold Fruit Smoothie jelly beans before practice and eating more than a handful. Though I paid for that later when I wanted to hurl as I was running during practice.
Proud: Not giving up when it is hard. I am not used to being a bench warmer. This football experience has been humbling for me because I have been fortunate and have always been a "starter;" I don't know what sitting on the bench is like--but I am learning. For me, it is beyond frustrating not being good at a sport. Especially when I really WANT to be good!
Not Proud: Emotional eating. Sad? Eat. Frustrated? Eat. Sad? Eat. Stressed? Eat. Sad? Eat. And the eating does not center around fruits and veggies. I am overloading on sugar and fat and bread. Last night I think I really overdid it and the excess sugar made me sick.
Proud: Recognizing what I am doing.
Not Proud: Not really making TRUE changes. Thinking about changes and acknowledging what I am doing is NOT ENOUGH.
23 March 2011
20 March 2011
Grocery Shopping FAIL.
L is gone for the week. He left this morning, and since he usually goes grocery shopping on Sundays, I was left to do my own weekly shopping.
I wanted to attempt a grocery excursion similar to Beth's, so I went and printed out coupons from Whole Foods, and came up with a plan. Granted, my plan was not thorough and overall it sucked, but still--a sucky plan should be better than NO PLAN.
Either way. Whole Foods is, and always will be, Whole Paycheck. At least until I make a 6 figure paycheck. And since this will NEVER happen, I think you get the picture.
Also, after today's shopping, I am more glad than not that L does the grocery shopping. Going to stores with amazing meats and produce and seeing all the things I can't have just because I want them is frustrating.
On to the purchases and enough negative-nancy-pity-party.
Whole Foods was my first stop, and since I had never been to this location before, I drove by the entrance on accident and had to go around this GIANT block to find my way back. Great start.
The goal was to get Cottage Cheese, Chicken Sausage, Champagne Mangoes, a specific Greek Yogurt, and Tea. I didn't need the tea, but I had a coupon. Out of my items, I successfully purchased ONE of these items. The produce at WF is incredible. AND samples of fruits are a true treat. I was going to try these Champagne Mangoes even without the sample, but the sample assured me that I made the right choice. YUM! The greek yogurt that I had a coupon for didn't look appealing, so I got Chobani, and the cottage cheese also didn't excite me. I completely forgot about the chicken sausage--I was totally enthralled by the produce and fresh seafood--and I walked out of the store with 6 items. I spent $6.58. YUK.
Trader Joe's was more successful and made me a great deal less sad. I got 15 items and spent $26.95--and the most expensive thing was $3.99 (chicken sausage). AND I only bought 3 things I didn't need/shouldn't have bought. But internet, I really wanted chips and dip and macaroni and cheese for dinner tonight.
Here is what I got:
Produce:
Mango
2 lemons
bag of sliced mushrooms
bag of baby arugula/lettuce
Package of baby heirloom tomatoes
1 sweet onion
1 head of cauliflower
1 bag of sweet potatoes
Other:
Bag of frozen pineapple
Spinach, Fontina & Roasted Garlic Chicken Sausage
Honey Wheat Pretzel Twists
Didn't need to get, but got:
Potato Chips (Ridged)
Shells and White Cheddar macaroni and cheese
1 package of cream cheese
I am going to roast the cauliflower, bake the sweet potatoes, use the pineapple for smoothies, make a fruit salad with the mangoes and pineapple that L got me at Costco yesterday, and as of now I have already eaten too much potato chips and dip I made with the cream cheese and onion.
I packed my lunch/snack for tomorrow, I know what I will eat for Tuesday's meals, and on Tuesday I will have more time to plan out the rest of the week/weekend. I'll probably have to go to Winco later this week for basic produce (apples/bananas)--even though I am not a fan, the price can't be beat.
And the baby Heirloom tomatoes? OMG. ALMOST BETTER THAN JELLY BELLY JELLY BEANS.
Hey now, I did say almost! I really love the cool little shapes and sizes that are in the package. I have some for tomorrow's lunch to throw on my salad. FUN!
Overall, for $33.53 I did ok. Definitely not fun, but as I go forward, there isn't much about growing up that is fun. Especially not being responsible and budget-conscious.
I wanted to attempt a grocery excursion similar to Beth's, so I went and printed out coupons from Whole Foods, and came up with a plan. Granted, my plan was not thorough and overall it sucked, but still--a sucky plan should be better than NO PLAN.
Either way. Whole Foods is, and always will be, Whole Paycheck. At least until I make a 6 figure paycheck. And since this will NEVER happen, I think you get the picture.
Also, after today's shopping, I am more glad than not that L does the grocery shopping. Going to stores with amazing meats and produce and seeing all the things I can't have just because I want them is frustrating.
On to the purchases and enough negative-nancy-pity-party.
Whole Foods was my first stop, and since I had never been to this location before, I drove by the entrance on accident and had to go around this GIANT block to find my way back. Great start.
 |
| 4 Chobbani yogurts + 2 Champagne Mangoes = $6.58. |
 |
| Trader Joe's haul. |
Here is what I got:
Produce:
Mango
2 lemons
bag of sliced mushrooms
bag of baby arugula/lettuce
Package of baby heirloom tomatoes
1 sweet onion
1 head of cauliflower
1 bag of sweet potatoes
Other:
Bag of frozen pineapple
Spinach, Fontina & Roasted Garlic Chicken Sausage
Honey Wheat Pretzel Twists
Didn't need to get, but got:
Potato Chips (Ridged)
Shells and White Cheddar macaroni and cheese
1 package of cream cheese
I am going to roast the cauliflower, bake the sweet potatoes, use the pineapple for smoothies, make a fruit salad with the mangoes and pineapple that L got me at Costco yesterday, and as of now I have already eaten too much potato chips and dip I made with the cream cheese and onion.
I packed my lunch/snack for tomorrow, I know what I will eat for Tuesday's meals, and on Tuesday I will have more time to plan out the rest of the week/weekend. I'll probably have to go to Winco later this week for basic produce (apples/bananas)--even though I am not a fan, the price can't be beat.
And the baby Heirloom tomatoes? OMG. ALMOST BETTER THAN JELLY BELLY JELLY BEANS.
Hey now, I did say almost! I really love the cool little shapes and sizes that are in the package. I have some for tomorrow's lunch to throw on my salad. FUN!
Overall, for $33.53 I did ok. Definitely not fun, but as I go forward, there isn't much about growing up that is fun. Especially not being responsible and budget-conscious.
18 March 2011
Proud of myself...
Can you tell?
I was unbelievably close to NOT going to the gym tonight. The dreary weather is getting to me, football practice tomorrow is going to be rainy, muddy, cold and gross again, and I haven't really taken a day off from actual physical movement/exertion beyond sitting on my butt on my computer chair/couch since the 6th. Last Friday I missed my routine double-class at the gym for L's step-brother-in-law's birthday celebration dinner, and it would have been SO easy to "miss" again this week.
And as I tried to convince myself to get my butt in gear, change out of my pjs, and get my fat butt to the gym, I realized that my downhill slides back into unhealthy began Just. Like. This.
Terrible eating, not tracking what I eat, and CHOOSING to listen to the lazy part of my brain that just wanted to stay home and watch tv and do nothing healthy. And that became my routine.
I don't want that to happen again. I realized that tonight when for the first time during WillPower and Grace I was able to do 1 FULL heart-to-heart plank--ON. MY. TOES!!!!!!!!!! And even though I am totally far from being in love with my body, I see that I am toning up in places I had forgotten about. I am getting stronger--proof was in my performance tonight. I am also getting more flexible--during yoga I was able to hold poses longer than in the past, and I am more able to focus on what I CAN do rather than what I am unable to do (yet!). I need to remember this moment, hence the post-workout (UNFLATTERING) picture. I am proud of myself, and I need to stop sabotaging my efforts in what I eat and how I choose to refuel my body. Next week begins a re-focus on tracking and a real effort for staying on plan.
I won't totally go overboard this weekend--it will just be easier for tracking purposes to start on my weigh-in day.
I feel good. :) YAY!
 |
| Me after WillPower and Grace (60 minutes) and Yoga (60 minutes)! |
I was unbelievably close to NOT going to the gym tonight. The dreary weather is getting to me, football practice tomorrow is going to be rainy, muddy, cold and gross again, and I haven't really taken a day off from actual physical movement/exertion beyond sitting on my butt on my computer chair/couch since the 6th. Last Friday I missed my routine double-class at the gym for L's step-brother-in-law's birthday celebration dinner, and it would have been SO easy to "miss" again this week.
And as I tried to convince myself to get my butt in gear, change out of my pjs, and get my fat butt to the gym, I realized that my downhill slides back into unhealthy began Just. Like. This.
Terrible eating, not tracking what I eat, and CHOOSING to listen to the lazy part of my brain that just wanted to stay home and watch tv and do nothing healthy. And that became my routine.
I don't want that to happen again. I realized that tonight when for the first time during WillPower and Grace I was able to do 1 FULL heart-to-heart plank--ON. MY. TOES!!!!!!!!!! And even though I am totally far from being in love with my body, I see that I am toning up in places I had forgotten about. I am getting stronger--proof was in my performance tonight. I am also getting more flexible--during yoga I was able to hold poses longer than in the past, and I am more able to focus on what I CAN do rather than what I am unable to do (yet!). I need to remember this moment, hence the post-workout (UNFLATTERING) picture. I am proud of myself, and I need to stop sabotaging my efforts in what I eat and how I choose to refuel my body. Next week begins a re-focus on tracking and a real effort for staying on plan.
I won't totally go overboard this weekend--it will just be easier for tracking purposes to start on my weigh-in day.
I feel good. :) YAY!
Success!!!!!
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| Look at the height and fluffiness!! MUCH better! |
My re-do of the crusty-french bread turned out AWESOME!!!! (maybe it was bad yeast?)
The lasagna? OMG. Best I've made. Seriously.
And, I will have to admit, the ability to render my friend speechless--keep in mind that since I have met her I have NEVER heard her silent--was super-rewarding. She cleaned her plate and I am pretty sure both my guests left full and satisfied.
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| I forgot to take a picture post-oven, pre-consumption. Oops. Blame it on the Lemon-Drop and wine. |
I love making food for other people!!!!
I want it all, I want it all, I want it all, and I want it NOW.
Polar doesn't offer a variety of colors, but this one totally caught my eye.
The reviews say that this watch is easy to set up, the strap fits around all sizes (big and little), and it is a "life-changer."
I am nervous though because the little pod to connect it to the computer is extra, as well as any GPS functions. I have my iPhone, so the GPS is a non-point, but since I am at the computer all the time, I'd want to have it be able to easily sync up. But since I am too poor to even get the watch, the connector pod thingy is out of the question.
I can dream. And save the non-existent extra money I have. Maybe Christmas. Maybe I will combine all of my rewards for my goals and when I hit my target weight, then I can get this.
The only problem being, this watch and its features would actually help me GET TO MY GOAL WEIGHT.
Argh.
I've lost my motivation for running--I think the rain is a clear villian in addition to my hatred for it--but I *think* nicer weather will be headed PDX's way soon, which will *hopefully* help in my motivation for running outside (I hope)--I am actually missing it. I went back to C25K W6D1 with my own modifications the last nice non-raining day here (A WEEK AGO), and it felt good--I really think I am more about alternating walking/running--which I need to just accept and use it to my advantage.
Either way, if I had a spare $300 in my world, these two items would be on a delivery truck headed for my house in 7-10 days.
16 March 2011
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies and Lemon Shortbread Bars and SUPER-FLY FAIL Crusty French Bread
And now I have a sugar headache. Sigh.
I am having a couple I play football with over to dinner tomorrow night and the menu looks like:
Salad w/yummy homemade vinagrette
Lasagna (with homemade noodles)
Homemade bread (turned into garlic bread)
Wine
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Lemon Shortbread Bars
So I can go to the gym tomorrow and not be too stressed, I thought I'd make the bread and desserts today, leaving the salad (oooh hard...) and the lasagna for tomorrow. The bread was a super-fly fail, so I will have to remake another loaf tomorrow. But at least the desserts turned out!
I love to bake. It puts me in a zone of oblivion where I don't have to think about anything other than the recipe and measuring and the food around me as I create.
The problem is that I love to sample, and when I am making non-friendly WW recipe, it does a number on my gut. I had a good amount of leftover whoopie pie filling that I couldn't see go to waste, so I had to eat most of it. :( I feel super-gross now, but it tasted so good! Not worth it. But the whoopie pies did turn out awesome.
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Source: Good Housekeeping Best-Loved Desserts (pg. 37)
Cookies
2 C all-purpose flour
3/4 C light molasses (I use regular full-on dark)
1/4 C granulated sugar
6 TBSP butter melted
2 tsp. ginger (I used extra)
1 tsp cinnamon (I used extra)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
Marshmallow Filling
6 TBSP butter slightly softened
1 C confectioners' sugar
1 jar (7 ounces)marshmallow creme (about 1 1/2 C)
1 tsp vanilla
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Grease 2 large cookie sheets (I used my whoopie pie pan from my awesome future step-sister-in-law!)
3. Prepare cookies.
Large bowl with spoon mix until smooth:
flour
granulated sugar
ginger
cinnamon
baking soda
salt
butter
egg
molasses
4. Drop 12 heaping tablespoons batter 2 inches apart on each cookie sheet.
5. Bake until puffy and toothpick inserted comes out clean--about 12 minutes.
Rotate the cookie sheets from top shelf to bottom mid-way. When finished, transfer onto wire racks to cool completely.
6. When cookies are cool, make filling. In a large bowl with mixer at medium speed, beat softened butter until smooth, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. At low speed, gradually beat in confectioners' sugar, marshmallow creme, and vanilla until smooth. (I used my KitchenAid mixer with the whisk attachment, and next time I think I would use the beater attachment instead).
7. Spread 1 rounded tablespoon filling on flat side of cookies. Top with remaining cookies. Cover and refrigerate if not serving within 2 hours.
**Be warned...whoopie pies leak filling. I haven't figured out how to store them without stacking them, which also squishes out the filling. Which is irritating.
Some photos of bread and lemon shortbread bars:
Salad w/yummy homemade vinagrette
Lasagna (with homemade noodles)
Homemade bread (turned into garlic bread)
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| I love this cookbook. |
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Lemon Shortbread Bars
So I can go to the gym tomorrow and not be too stressed, I thought I'd make the bread and desserts today, leaving the salad (oooh hard...) and the lasagna for tomorrow. The bread was a super-fly fail, so I will have to remake another loaf tomorrow. But at least the desserts turned out!
I love to bake. It puts me in a zone of oblivion where I don't have to think about anything other than the recipe and measuring and the food around me as I create.
The problem is that I love to sample, and when I am making non-friendly WW recipe, it does a number on my gut. I had a good amount of leftover whoopie pie filling that I couldn't see go to waste, so I had to eat most of it. :( I feel super-gross now, but it tasted so good! Not worth it. But the whoopie pies did turn out awesome.
 |
| Batter |
Source: Good Housekeeping Best-Loved Desserts (pg. 37)
Cookies
2 C all-purpose flour
3/4 C light molasses (I use regular full-on dark)
1/4 C granulated sugar
6 TBSP butter melted
2 tsp. ginger (I used extra)
1 tsp cinnamon (I used extra)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
 |
| Batter in pan |
 |
| Magic Whoopie Pie Pan |
Marshmallow Filling
6 TBSP butter slightly softened
1 C confectioners' sugar
1 jar (7 ounces)marshmallow creme (about 1 1/2 C)
1 tsp vanilla
1. Preheat oven to 350.
 |
| I flattened the heaping tablespoons |
3. Prepare cookies.
Large bowl with spoon mix until smooth:
flour
granulated sugar
ginger
cinnamon
baking soda
salt
butter
egg
molasses
4. Drop 12 heaping tablespoons batter 2 inches apart on each cookie sheet.
5. Bake until puffy and toothpick inserted comes out clean--about 12 minutes.
Rotate the cookie sheets from top shelf to bottom mid-way. When finished, transfer onto wire racks to cool completely.
 |
| Final result..YUM. |
7. Spread 1 rounded tablespoon filling on flat side of cookies. Top with remaining cookies. Cover and refrigerate if not serving within 2 hours.
**Be warned...whoopie pies leak filling. I haven't figured out how to store them without stacking them, which also squishes out the filling. Which is irritating.
Some photos of bread and lemon shortbread bars:
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| Shortbread Bar. Lemony awesomeness! |
 |
| F=Flat |
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| F= FAIL |
Can I just flush March down the toilet? Or...WI Wednesday...
Yep. Things have been challenging.
218.9
-.2
218.9
-.2
11 March 2011
Dear Entire Bag of Macaroni and Cheese Potato Chips,
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| Au Revoir my ex-friend. |
You hurt my guts.
I know that I am partially responsible for this severance.
I ate you in two sittings. 8 servings. 2 sittings.
One of the sittings occurred on the way back from Target.
In the car.
You see, I was seduced by your salty, cheesey, crispy, goodness.
Now, I must completely avoid the entire SECTION that you and your cousins occupy in the grocery store (or Target or Fred Meyer). The fat, and gross, and icky feelings that follow your consumption are not worth the intital heavenly salty crunch that comes with the first bite.
I guess I thought eating A GINORMOUS amount of brocolli would compensate for finishing you off this afternoon.
IT DIDN'T.
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| I REALLY wanted brocolli for lunch. |
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| Hey--At least there is calcium in these! |
 |
| I am impressed that the first ingredient is actually potatoes! |
But, I need to stay away. Dude--have you SEEN your list of ingredients, your calories or your fat content???? Never mind that ONE serving of you is 4 pts+!!!!!!!! Did I mention that I ate ALL OF YOU IN ONE SITTING??? 8 SERVINGS.
Yup. This is over. Sorry to break it to you online, but it had to be done.
Missing Gramma
Please take advantage of the time you have with people you love. The tragic events that have occurred in Japan, and are continuing to occur remind me how important it is to make the most of the time we have, and love the people we care about with ferocity.
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| Ipo is comforting me and helping make me feel better. |
10 March 2011
What the debacle was SUPPOSED to be...Lemon Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Got this back when I found the rainbow cupcakes from ourbestbites. I halved the entire recipe (I beat 1 egg and used 1/2 of that with 2 full eggs as suggested by L's mom) and it still made 14 cupcakes. The batter is SUPER light and fluffy, and the frosting is delicious (I added more lemon juice than recommended--YUM).
**Please note I tweaked the order of ingredients due to my baking debacle. In its original, the flour immediately follows the butter. If you are smart, you can figure out where I erred.**
I also didn't figure out the points because I am bringing them to a dinner tonight and sending the rest with L to work tomorrow. I ate enough of the frosting in process I am pretty sure that this week is shot to hell. :(
Lemon Cupcakes
1 1/2 c. (3 sticks) of REAL butter
2 c. sugar
5 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 2 lemons (just zest the other lemons before you squeeze them)
1 c. buttermilk (I made buttermilk: 1 TBSP vinegar + milk up to the 1 C line in a measuring cup + sit for 10 minutes)
3 c. cake flour (no substitutions here–you really need the lightness of cake flour)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Preheat oven to 325. Line 2 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners (I used yellow, although white would also be cute).
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 4-5 minutes. Don’t go skimping here–you want the mixture to be almost white and super fluffy. This is absolutely essential to the outcome of the cake.
While butter and sugar are mixing, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Set aside. After butter and sugar have mixed sufficiently, With the mixer running, add eggs, one at a time, beating to incorporate after each addition.
Beat in vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
With mixer on low speed, alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture and beating until fully incorporated.
Using a standard cookie scoop, place about 2 scoops of batter into each muffin cup. Fill these almost to the top–due to the final texture (again, think super-moist and light pound cake), these cupcakes won’t have a nice, curvy crown, but that’s okay–no one will ever know or care.
Bake about 20-25 minutes or just until a toothpick inserted into the center of one of the cupcakes comes out clean. You don’t want to overbake these even a bit, or they’ll start to lose their delicious moisture. Remove from oven and cool completely. Frost with lemon buttercream and garnish with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or fresh mint leaves.
Lemon Buttercream
1 1/4 c. butter (2 1/2 sticks)
2 tsp. grated lemon rind
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
3 c. powdered sugar
Beat butter, lemon rind, and lemon juice in an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating to spreading consistency. Makes 2 3/4 c.
**Please note I tweaked the order of ingredients due to my baking debacle. In its original, the flour immediately follows the butter. If you are smart, you can figure out where I erred.**
I also didn't figure out the points because I am bringing them to a dinner tonight and sending the rest with L to work tomorrow. I ate enough of the frosting in process I am pretty sure that this week is shot to hell. :(
Lemon Cupcakes
1 1/2 c. (3 sticks) of REAL butter
2 c. sugar
 |
| Butter + Sugar creamy-ness |
2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 2 lemons (just zest the other lemons before you squeeze them)
1 c. buttermilk (I made buttermilk: 1 TBSP vinegar + milk up to the 1 C line in a measuring cup + sit for 10 minutes)
3 c. cake flour (no substitutions here–you really need the lightness of cake flour)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Preheat oven to 325. Line 2 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners (I used yellow, although white would also be cute).
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 4-5 minutes. Don’t go skimping here–you want the mixture to be almost white and super fluffy. This is absolutely essential to the outcome of the cake.
 |
| Batter. |
Beat in vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
With mixer on low speed, alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture and beating until fully incorporated.
Using a standard cookie scoop, place about 2 scoops of batter into each muffin cup. Fill these almost to the top–due to the final texture (again, think super-moist and light pound cake), these cupcakes won’t have a nice, curvy crown, but that’s okay–no one will ever know or care.
 |
| Out of the oven |
 |
| The finished product. |
1 1/4 c. butter (2 1/2 sticks)
2 tsp. grated lemon rind
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
3 c. powdered sugar
 |
| YUM! |
Baking Debacle...
Don't ask.
Note to self. Read the directions carefully before proceeding to follow the order of ingredients.
09 March 2011
Beth's (but first the NY Times) Beans that will Change Your Life
Beth's talk about these beans made me want to try them myself. I NEVER would have thought I would make beans in this kind of process. I am VERY glad that I tried something out of my comfort zone. I am not going to be afraid of soaking beans and the preparation they take. The process is worth it.
These beans are filling, and while I have only tried them in tortillas with cheese and mushrooms, I know that they would work in MANY other ways.
Black Beans of Awesomeness
From The New York Times:
1 pound black beans, washed and picked over for stones
2 quarts water
1 tablespoon canola oil or extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus additional for garnish if desired
Salt, preferably kosher salt, to taste
Directions
1. Soak the beans in the water for at least six hours. If they will be soaking for a long time in warm weather, put them in the refrigerator.
2. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until it begins to soften, about three minutes. Add half the garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about one minute. Add the beans and soaking water. The beans should be covered by at least an inch of water. Add more as necessary, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and skim off any foam that rises. Cover and simmer one hour.
3. Add the salt, remaining garlic and cilantro. Continue to simmer another hour, until the beans are quite soft and the broth is thick and fragrant. Taste. Is there enough salt? Does it need more garlic? Add if necessary. Let sit overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
I haven't figured out exactly how many servings this gets, but a rough estimate is 6 cups. If you use 1 cup as a serving it comes to 7pts+/ cup. 1/2 C serving size would decrease the pts+ value. Either way, I can't eat a whole cup in one sitting--SUPER filling.
These beans are filling, and while I have only tried them in tortillas with cheese and mushrooms, I know that they would work in MANY other ways.
Black Beans of Awesomeness
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| Pre-soaking. Notice the green lentils? Hazards of buying from the bulk bin . |
1 pound black beans, washed and picked over for stones
2 quarts water
1 tablespoon canola oil or extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus additional for garnish if desired
Salt, preferably kosher salt, to taste
Directions
1. Soak the beans in the water for at least six hours. If they will be soaking for a long time in warm weather, put them in the refrigerator.
2. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until it begins to soften, about three minutes. Add half the garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about one minute. Add the beans and soaking water. The beans should be covered by at least an inch of water. Add more as necessary, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and skim off any foam that rises. Cover and simmer one hour.
3. Add the salt, remaining garlic and cilantro. Continue to simmer another hour, until the beans are quite soft and the broth is thick and fragrant. Taste. Is there enough salt? Does it need more garlic? Add if necessary. Let sit overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
 |
| After cooking. YUM. |
I haven't figured out exactly how many servings this gets, but a rough estimate is 6 cups. If you use 1 cup as a serving it comes to 7pts+/ cup. 1/2 C serving size would decrease the pts+ value. Either way, I can't eat a whole cup in one sitting--SUPER filling.
WI Wednesday!
219.1
-.9
Not too shabby.
I really need to be more diligent in tracking everything that I eat. I have been doing very poorly the last few days. That is the goal for this week. At least 6/7 days track 100% of everything.
-.9
Not too shabby.
I really need to be more diligent in tracking everything that I eat. I have been doing very poorly the last few days. That is the goal for this week. At least 6/7 days track 100% of everything.
06 March 2011
Handwriting Fun: (or, avoiding things that need to be done...)
Borrowed this idea from Kaitlin: the activity fit well in the moment.
Do it too and then post a link!
Here are the questions:
1. What is your name / blogger name?
2. What is your blog URL?
3. Write: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
4. Favorite quote?
5. Favorite song?
6. Favorite band / singers?
7. Anything else you want to say?
8. Tag 3-5 other people.
Do it!!!
Happy Sunday!
Do it too and then post a link!
Here are the questions:
1. What is your name / blogger name?
2. What is your blog URL?
3. Write: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
4. Favorite quote?
5. Favorite song?
6. Favorite band / singers?
7. Anything else you want to say?
8. Tag 3-5 other people.
Happy Sunday!
04 March 2011
Banana Bread: Tweaking the Master
I love my old-school Betty Crocker cookbook. It's fallen apart, but we have fond memories together.
Today was the first time I took a recipe from this tome and tweaked it. I was nervous, but it turned out AWESOME! I just wish I would have gone with my gut and only used 1/4 C sugar to help with pts value.
I had two bananas that I feared L would give me the stink eye for not eating prior to over-ripening, so I went to a recipe that brings me fond memories of home and my mom and sister and mornings with yummy warm banana nut bread (but I would pick out all the nuts).
This bread is sweet, moist, and best served warm. If you are a nut fan (get mind out of gutter dear readers!), go ahead and add some nuts!
"Nut" Bread (BANANA)
2 giant ripe bananas mushed with a fork
1 1/4 C bread flour
1 1/4 C whole wheat flour
3 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 C sugar (I'd only use 1/4 C next time!)
3 TBSP canola oil
3/4 C skim milk
1 egg
Heat oven to 350.
Grease and flour a bread loaf pan.
Measure all ingredients into a large bowl. Mix until fully combine--be sure to scrape sides and spoon!
Pour into loaf pan.
Bake 55-65 minutes or until a pick comes out clean.
12 slices
I like fattier slices, but you could tweak your cuts accordingly!
11 slices = 5 pts+
12-15 slices = 4 pts+
16 slices = 3pts+
Have a blog? Want to win a $100? Check out the Swanson Health Blog.
Today was the first time I took a recipe from this tome and tweaked it. I was nervous, but it turned out AWESOME! I just wish I would have gone with my gut and only used 1/4 C sugar to help with pts value.
I had two bananas that I feared L would give me the stink eye for not eating prior to over-ripening, so I went to a recipe that brings me fond memories of home and my mom and sister and mornings with yummy warm banana nut bread (but I would pick out all the nuts).
 |
| Mushed Banana |
This bread is sweet, moist, and best served warm. If you are a nut fan (get mind out of gutter dear readers!), go ahead and add some nuts!
"Nut" Bread (BANANA)
2 giant ripe bananas mushed with a fork
1 1/4 C bread flour
1 1/4 C whole wheat flour
3 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 C sugar (I'd only use 1/4 C next time!)
3 TBSP canola oil
3/4 C skim milk
1 egg
 |
| Pretty |
Grease and flour a bread loaf pan.
Measure all ingredients into a large bowl. Mix until fully combine--be sure to scrape sides and spoon!
Pour into loaf pan.
Bake 55-65 minutes or until a pick comes out clean.
12 slices
 |
| Yum. Tastes like home!! |
I like fattier slices, but you could tweak your cuts accordingly!
11 slices = 5 pts+
12-15 slices = 4 pts+
16 slices = 3pts+
Have a blog? Want to win a $100? Check out the Swanson Health Blog.
02 March 2011
Review #1: Protein Powder of Magic.
Mondays and Wednesdays I have practice from 6-8:30. I get home after 9, and eating that late is just not good for me. I thought that for my first review I could try to make myself a shake with the Vanilla Bean Protein Powder that I got from my box of goodies from Swanson Health Products before I went to practice (I could drink it on the 30 minute drive).
I won't lie, I am not a meat-head, but I have been bragging to L about my developing GUN SHOW (which he makes fun of). But I never thought I would ever drink protein powder.
I am a convert.
I got the blender out, opened the container of mix (which smells AWESOME--vanilla-y and creamy if creamy could be a smell--by the way), I mixed my full scoop of powder with a full bag of frozen smoothie fruit (strawberries, mango, and pineapple), and about 1/4 C of water and a Trader Joe's 0% Greek Honey yogurt.
It was really thick. And it made a LARGE amount of shake. And it was thick.
The combination of vanilla bean, honey yogurt, and fruit was AWESOME. It also made over 32 ounces. I drank most of it before practice (from about 5:15-5:50), but had about 8 ounces left in the car for me to drink after practice was over (got in the car at 8:40).
I wasn't hungry AT ALL during practice, and while I'd like to have a warm meal in my tummy as I type this, I think my need to eat comes mentally (habits/comfort) rather than actual hunger.
I can't wait to try making other flavors of shakes with this powder--I am going to do milk, ice, and powder for next week's practice. I am PUMPED!!!
Maybe my GUN SHOW will develop exponentially now that I am protein-ing it up!!! :)
A girl can dream right?
**Note**I got products for free--I am not being paid in any way for what I say about these products. I am being honest, and seriously, have no reason to lie!
I won't lie, I am not a meat-head, but I have been bragging to L about my developing GUN SHOW (which he makes fun of). But I never thought I would ever drink protein powder.
I am a convert.
 |
| 1 scoop. (I had to dig for the scoop the first time, hence the powdery fingers! |
It was really thick. And it made a LARGE amount of shake. And it was thick.
 |
| Yum. First time trying this too. YUM. |
I wasn't hungry AT ALL during practice, and while I'd like to have a warm meal in my tummy as I type this, I think my need to eat comes mentally (habits/comfort) rather than actual hunger.
 |
| Thick, blender-y goodness. |
I can't wait to try making other flavors of shakes with this powder--I am going to do milk, ice, and powder for next week's practice. I am PUMPED!!!
Maybe my GUN SHOW will develop exponentially now that I am protein-ing it up!!! :)
A girl can dream right?
 |
| One of TWO containers I needed to contain the giant amount I made. |
**Note**I got products for free--I am not being paid in any way for what I say about these products. I am being honest, and seriously, have no reason to lie!
- Are you interested in getting some free Swanson Health Products goodies to review on your own blog? Then check out the Swanson Health Blog for all the details.
It was like Christmas!!!
I am not a wealthy person. Right now, L and I, while not totally destitute (as L would say), we are not in the best financial situation. My unemployment is the main problem, and it weighs heavily on me on a daily basis.
I am not good at finding bargains--my sister can easily find $2 shirts at Target, but I don't have the same senses that people who find sales do.
Therefore, free stuff is one of the greatest things on the planet right now. Especially free GOOD stuff. I saw a blog where the author was reviewing a Swanson product, and followed the link she included. I contacted Swanson (who are amazingly prompt and kind in their responses), and got an email detailing all the goodies I was going to get to try and then review. I nearly fell over I was so excited!!!
Last night, I was talking to L about this, and who should ring the doorbell? Yep! UPS!!!! And I have my awesome goodies to start to try!!!
I can't believe how lucky I am to be able to do this!!
Here is what was in my box:
Tom’s of Maine toothpaste
Alfalfa Leaf
B Complex 100
Syntol AMD
CLA
Soyjoy Fruit Bars
Natural Calm Plus Calcium
Vanilla Bean Protein Powder
All these awesome products and MANY more can be found here:
Swanson Health Products
Check them out!!!
**Note**I got these for free--I am not being paid in any way for what I say about these products. I am being honest, and seriously, have no reason to lie!
I am not good at finding bargains--my sister can easily find $2 shirts at Target, but I don't have the same senses that people who find sales do.
Therefore, free stuff is one of the greatest things on the planet right now. Especially free GOOD stuff. I saw a blog where the author was reviewing a Swanson product, and followed the link she included. I contacted Swanson (who are amazingly prompt and kind in their responses), and got an email detailing all the goodies I was going to get to try and then review. I nearly fell over I was so excited!!!
Last night, I was talking to L about this, and who should ring the doorbell? Yep! UPS!!!! And I have my awesome goodies to start to try!!!
I can't believe how lucky I am to be able to do this!!Here is what was in my box:
Tom’s of Maine toothpaste
Alfalfa Leaf
B Complex 100
Syntol AMD
CLA
Soyjoy Fruit Bars
Natural Calm Plus Calcium
Vanilla Bean Protein Powder
All these awesome products and MANY more can be found here:
Swanson Health Products
Check them out!!!
**Note**I got these for free--I am not being paid in any way for what I say about these products. I am being honest, and seriously, have no reason to lie!
- Are you interested in getting some free Swanson Health Products goodies to review on your own blog? Then check out the Swanson Health Blog for all the details.
01 March 2011
What I ate Wednesday (or, while on Grand Jury Duty on Monday)...
I am going to try to do this alongside Peas and Crayons and hopefully get some other readers/tips from those who participate. Play along! It will be fun!!
Breakfast:
 |
| No sugar needed! Yes, there are oats in there!! |
1/2 C skim milk
cinnamon--plentiful amount!
1 full apple cut up
blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. (the last of my haul from the last Farmer's market that was in my freezer from last year)
This is my new favorite way to eat oatmeal. It is funny that a year ago I wouldn't have been able to stomach the texture of this dish, but the hearty and satisfying mouthfeel has grown on me and I LOVE that I don't need sugar anymore either!
Lunch:
L's brother drew my name for Christmas last year, and he got me a bento box that I finally got to use on Monday for my lunch. Let me tell you, filling it with good foods I made was super fun, and eating from it was even MORE fun!
Calzone (wrapped in saran wrap in the mesh area)
In the box clockwise starting with the dish in the back left:
Spiced Citrus Salad
Homemade Crackers
baby carrots and almonds
Stuffed Corn Muffin
Glazed Pear Muffin (dessert)
On the side of the box:
hummus
Homemade granola bar
Ranch dressing (OMG YUM)
YAY!
I'm not going to lie, I am pretty proud of myself and the fact that of the food in my bento box, I made 7/10 items that I packed. I couldn't say this a year ago. My lunch would have consisted of processed, fatty foods.
(If you like fun meals check out all these awesome bentos!!)
Snack on the way to practice:
1 cut up apple
3 small slices of cheddar cheese
10 almonds
Dinner:
I didn't get home from practice until 9:20, which kills me to eat that late, so I really try hard not to.
I had 1/2 a Chobani strawberry yogurt and went to bed.
Your turn! What did YOU eat?!?!?!?!
Oatmeal Pies? Heck. YES!
OMG. Don't walk, RUN to the kitchen and make these NOW.
The cookies are AMAZING, the filling is AMAZING. OMGOMGOMG. YUMMMMMMMM!!!!
Thanks again to Jenna for this amazingly awesome recipe!
Ingredients:
1 stick butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon (I added MORE--YUMMY!)
for cream filling:
1 stick butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Mix together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Set aside.
Cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add the egg and mix until smooth, then add the vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Bake 1 tbsp-sized balls of dough on a lined baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool while preparing the filling.
For the filling, cream together the powdered sugar and butter until smooth. Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract and milk and whip on high speed for five minute until very light and fluffy.
To prepare cream pies, pipe (using a pastry bag or plastic bag) small dollops of frosting on a cookie and sandwich another cookie on top. Cookies will stay fresh in a sealed tupperware container for three days but they are best eaten the same day they are baked--NO KIDDING. A-MAZING!!!
**UPDATE**
I got 20 mini-pies/sandwich. Based on this, each is 7pts+
This might not be 100% accurate, I didn't use all of the frosting, so it might be safe to consider these 6/5 pts+
Either way--big points, but totally yummy and worth it as a little special treat.
These are dangerous! I might have to send them ALL with L to work tomorrow.
The cookies are AMAZING, the filling is AMAZING. OMGOMGOMG. YUMMMMMMMM!!!!
Thanks again to Jenna for this amazingly awesome recipe!
 |
| Yes, this is in the LARGE size. Do you see the cinnaminny awesomeness? |
1 stick butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon (I added MORE--YUMMY!)
for cream filling:
1 stick butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Mix together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Set aside.
Cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add the egg and mix until smooth, then add the vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Bake 1 tbsp-sized balls of dough on a lined baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool while preparing the filling.
For the filling, cream together the powdered sugar and butter until smooth. Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract and milk and whip on high speed for five minute until very light and fluffy.
To prepare cream pies, pipe (using a pastry bag or plastic bag) small dollops of frosting on a cookie and sandwich another cookie on top. Cookies will stay fresh in a sealed tupperware container for three days but they are best eaten the same day they are baked--NO KIDDING. A-MAZING!!!
**UPDATE**
I got 20 mini-pies/sandwich. Based on this, each is 7pts+
This might not be 100% accurate, I didn't use all of the frosting, so it might be safe to consider these 6/5 pts+
Either way--big points, but totally yummy and worth it as a little special treat.
These are dangerous! I might have to send them ALL with L to work tomorrow.
March's Goals
 |
| Goals from February! |
March's Goals:
Personal
-Call home 1x week.
-Watch at least 2 movies with L.
-Try risotto (making and eating).
Mental
-Read 3 books.
-Do not miss practice unless absolutely VITAL.
This comes because I don't want to give in to pouty mental state which sometimes happens when I feel sorry for myself. The only excuse that is acceptable for missing practice is illness or emergency. Feeling down does not constitute for illness either.
Physical
-Yoga at least 5 times this month.
This will require an additional session outside of class if I go that route.
-Body Pump 1X a week. (=5X)
Social
-Hang out at least two times with someone outside of L.
WW/Eating/Weight Loss
-Be On Plan (OP) at least ONE week. (Track everything I eat/drink; do not go over points. Do not dip in to weekly extras--earn enough activity points that I won't need to).
 |
| Planning for March! |
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